Shock and devastation in Waterford as four family members confirmed dead after house fire 

There is shock and devastation in the estate of Birchwood in Waterford city this morning, following a fire incident which occurred shortly after 5am this morning.

It has been confirmed by Gardai that four people are confirmed dead. Two adults (one male and one female) and two children are deceased.

Two other children have been removed from the scene and are receiving hospital treatment for critical injuries.

Emergency services remain at the scene and a cordon is in place.

During the morning, gardaí escorted people through the cordon, including shocked neighbours, relatives and friends.

One neighbour said to the Waterford News & Star: “I was just in the house with my child when I saw the news van arrive and I came out to see what was happening. It's terrifying."

Another resident said: “I’m here to check on my wife’s friend, I pray to God that it’s not her.” 

A hearse left the area around 10am. 

Local Cllr Joanne Bailey said the community are in “disbelief”. 

Cllr Bailey, who has family members living the area, said: “I woke up this morning and my phone had a lot of messages. Everyone is very shocked to hear what happened."

Cllr Bailey said the neighbourhood is typically “very quiet”.

“It’s a long-term estate here and the neighbours are very close. Everybody knows each other. So it’s a major shock.” 

Cllr Bailey expressed the importance of locals availing of a community support hub that is in place at the Butler Community Centre.

Another local councillor, Declan Barry, said “It's absolutely devastating.

“I have got family living in the area, nieces, nephews. I have a sister living nearby. I actually can't process it.

“I can only try and imagine how the family and their immediate relatives must be feeling this morning.

“This is a very tightknit community in the area. I'm absolutely horrified.” 

Waterford TD, David Cullinane is also at the scene this morning.

He said: “This is not just a tragedy that is confined to the St. John's Park area, this is a family that has deep roots right across a number of housing estates.

“I know a lot of those family members and I'm just heartbroken for them.” 

"This will be unimaginable, the grief that they will carry and the grief that this community will carry. 

"This is just something that nobody wants to ever see and ever experience and we’re all just so heartbroken for everybody involved.”